How Much Does Web Development Cost in 2026?
A transparent, comprehensive guide to web development pricing - from simple websites to complex web applications. Know what to expect before you start.
Web Development Cost Overview
Understanding web development costs is crucial for planning your project budget. Prices vary significantly based on project type, complexity, features, and who you hire. This guide breaks down realistic pricing for different types of web projects in 2026, based on our experience delivering 15+ projects.
Quick summary: A professional custom website costs between $3,000 and $75,000+ depending on complexity. Most small-to-medium business websites fall in the $5,000-$15,000 range.
Cost by Website Type
Landing Page
$1,500 - $3,000
Single-page or multi-section design for campaigns, product launches, or lead generation. Includes responsive design, contact forms, and analytics setup. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
Business Website (5-10 pages)
$3,000 - $8,000
Custom design, responsive layout, CMS, contact forms, SEO optimization, blog setup. The most common project type for small businesses. Timeline: 4-6 weeks.
Corporate Website (15-30+ pages)
$8,000 - $20,000
Multiple service pages, case studies, team sections, multi-language support, advanced SEO, custom animations. Timeline: 6-10 weeks.
E-commerce Store
$5,000 - $50,000+
Product catalog, shopping cart, payment processing, inventory management, order tracking, customer accounts. Cost depends on number of products and custom features. Timeline: 6-14 weeks.
Web Application (SaaS/Portal)
$15,000 - $75,000+
Custom dashboards, user authentication, databases, API integrations, real-time features, admin panels. Complex business logic and scalability requirements. Timeline: 3-6+ months.
Website Redesign
$3,000 - $15,000
Modernizing existing website with new design, improved UX, better performance, and updated technology. Includes content migration and SEO preservation. Timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Factors That Affect Web Development Cost
Several factors influence the total cost of your web development project:
- Project Complexity - Simple informational sites cost far less than feature-rich web applications with custom logic.
- Custom Design vs. Template - Custom designs cost more but deliver unique branding and better user experience.
- Number of Pages/Features - More pages, custom features, and integrations increase development time and cost.
- Technology Stack - Modern frameworks like React/Next.js may cost more upfront but offer better long-term performance and scalability.
- Third-Party Integrations - Payment gateways, CRM systems, APIs, and other integrations add complexity and cost.
- Content Creation - Professional copywriting, photography, and video production are additional investments.
- SEO & Marketing - Comprehensive SEO setup, analytics, and marketing integrations affect the total project budget.
- Timeline - Rush projects with tight deadlines may incur premium charges.
- Developer Location - Rates vary by geography. US-based agencies charge $100-$200+/hour, while agencies in Eastern Europe offer excellent quality at $40-$80/hour.
Ongoing Costs After Launch
Your website will have recurring costs beyond the initial development. Here's what to budget for:
Hosting
$20-$200/month depending on traffic, server requirements, and hosting provider. Shared hosting is cheapest; dedicated cloud hosting offers better performance.
Domain Name
$10-$50/year for a .com domain. Premium domains can cost significantly more. Some providers include free SSL certificates.
Maintenance & Updates
$100-$500/month for regular security updates, bug fixes, content updates, and performance monitoring. Essential for keeping your site secure and running smoothly.
Marketing & SEO
$500-$3,000/month for ongoing SEO, content marketing, PPC advertising, and social media management. Optional but highly recommended for growth.
How to Save Money on Web Development
- Define clear requirements - A well-defined scope prevents scope creep and unexpected costs.
- Prioritize features - Launch with essential features first (MVP), then add more over time.
- Prepare your content - Having text, images, and branding ready saves development time.
- Choose the right partner - Agencies with hybrid teams (like CodeVix with US + European offices) offer US-quality work at more competitive rates.
- Invest in quality upfront - Cheap development often leads to expensive rewrites later. A well-built site saves money long-term.
- Plan for maintenance - Regular maintenance is cheaper than emergency fixes and security breaches.
Get a Detailed Project Estimate
Every project is unique. Tell us about your requirements and we'll provide a free, no-obligation estimate with a detailed breakdown of costs, timeline, and deliverables.
Get a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Web Development Costs
How much does a basic website cost?
A basic business website with 5-10 pages typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000. This includes custom design, responsive development, basic SEO setup, contact forms, and CMS integration. Simple landing pages can start from $1,500-$3,000.
How much does a custom web application cost?
Custom web applications with user authentication, databases, dashboards, and complex functionality typically range from $15,000 to $75,000+. The cost depends heavily on the number of features, integrations, and complexity of business logic involved.
How much does an e-commerce website cost?
E-commerce websites range from $5,000-$15,000 for standard online stores with product management and payment processing, to $25,000-$50,000+ for large-scale platforms with custom features, inventory management, and third-party integrations.
What ongoing costs should I expect after launch?
Ongoing costs typically include hosting ($20-$200/month), domain renewal ($10-$50/year), SSL certificate (often free with hosting), maintenance and updates ($100-$500/month), and content updates. Total ongoing costs usually range from $150-$750/month depending on the site's complexity.
Why do web development prices vary so much?
Prices vary based on: project complexity, number of pages/features, custom design vs. templates, technology stack, developer experience and location, timeline requirements, and ongoing support needs. A simple informational site and a complex SaaS application have vastly different development requirements.
Can I get a website built for under $1,000?
While it is possible to get a basic website for under $1,000 using templates and DIY platforms, a professionally built custom website requires more investment. Budget solutions often result in poor performance, security vulnerabilities, and limited scalability. We recommend investing at least $3,000+ for a professional business website that delivers results.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, CodeVix offers flexible payment structures. Typical arrangements include 50% upfront and 50% on completion, or milestone-based payments for larger projects. We're happy to discuss a payment plan that works for your budget during our free consultation.